Twins' Byron Buxton doubles twice on Wednesday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(3/4/2015)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton doubled twice on Wednesday against the University of Minnesota.

Buxton came into last season ranked as one of the best prospects in the minors. He had injury issues, which ended his season early. While Buxton is still considered the Twins top prospect, he was passed by other players in the overall prospect rankings due to the injuries.

Buxton seemed to be 100 percent on Wednesday, doubling twice during the contest. He scored one run and drove in one RBI. The 21-year-old should open the season in the minors, but could debut as early as this season depending on his performance.

The Twins begin exhibition season Wednesday with a game against the University of Minnesota.

Twins send five home due to illness before Monday workouts

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(3/2/2015)Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe (illness) was back at workouts Monday, but the Twins sent five other players home due to illness before Monday workouts began, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Twins' Byron Buxton named No. 1 prospect by MLB.com

Buxton played just 31 games in 2014 due to wrist and concussion issues and finished with a .240/.313/.405 line along with four home runs, 16 RBI and six stolen bases in 121 at-bats with high Class A Fort Myers. He also went 0 for 3 at the Double-A level. Buxton is making his second straight appearance atop MLB.com's top prospect list.

The rest of MLB.com's top-five prospects (in order) are Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, Astros shotstop Carlos Correa, Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor and Cubs shortstop Addison Russell. None of the quartet appeared in the top five of last year's MLB.com prospect list, though all four cracked the top 12.

"I know Hicks can play, but with Buxton -- I haven't seen video or seen him play, but every word I hear is good about him," Hunter said. "I definitely think when we get to spring training we'll sit down and I'll work out with them and evaluate what they're doing right and what they're doing wrong."

Hicks said he will lean on Hunter this spring, as he competes with Jordan Schafer for the starting job in center field.

"I'll be all in his ear the whole time," Hicks said. "He might get annoyed I'll be in his ear so much. He's definitely a guy I'm going to go to.

"I believe that I have the ability to play center field here for a long time. I've just got to go out there and show people that I can be the center fielder that everybody wants me to be and also that I want myself to be."

Sano was sidelined in 2014 after having Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last March. Buxton endured a frustrating injury-riddled 2014 campaign. He has been recovering from a broken index finger and was recently cleared to resume baseball activities.

"We've got to knock off some of the rust that's built up on him, because he hasn't played all that much," Ryan said. "I don't anticipate anything that went on with him last year really affecting him in a negative way. He just didn't get enough at-bats or enough playing time to say it was a developmental year. We lost basically a year with him, and that's not what you like."

Twins' Byron Buxton to have follow-up Monday

Buxton underwent surgery to repair a broken finger at the end of October. He injured himself trying to make a diving catch while playing in the Arizona Fall League. Buxton is expected to be ready for spring training.

Twins outfielder Byron Buxton has surgery on finger

Buxton fractured his middle finger on his right hand Monday. The issue was initially diagnosed as a dislocation, but a later evaluation revealed a fracture. The injury wasn't as bad as initially feared, and Buxton is expected to be ready for spring training.

Twins OF prospect Byron Buxton has dislocated finger

Buxton is set to see a specialist Tuesday to figure out a timetable for his recovery. He suffered the injury Monday trying to make a diving catch in the outfield.

Twins OF prospect Byron Buxton sustains another injury

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10/28/2014)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton continues to have trouble staying healthy. After missing most of the 2014 season in the minors due to a wrist injury and a concussion, Buxton suffered a finger injury playing Monday in the Arizona Fall League, per MLB.com.

Buxton was injured Monday trying to make a diving catch in the outfield. He was taken to the hospital for X-rays.

Byron Buxton expected to be healthy for Arizona Fall League

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(8/26/2014)Twins outfielder prospect Byron Buxton was included on the team's Arizona Fall League roster Tuesday, and MLB.com reports this is a good sign as he continues to work his way back from a concussion.

Buxton, who has been out since early August following a scary collision in the outfield, is not expected to return during the minor-league season. The Arizona Fall League begins Aug. 7.

Byron Buxton probably done for the season

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(8/18/2014)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton is likely done for the rest of the season, according to MLB.com.

General manager Terry Ryan said he doesn't expect Buxton to return before the minor-league season ends. The club is hopeful Buxton will be ready for the Arizona Fall League. Buxton has been out since August 13 due to a concussion.

Byron Buxton dealing with concussion, no broken bones

Buxton collided while attempting to make a play in the outfield. He was put on a stretcher and carted off the field in an ambulance after a 30 minute delay. Buxton was unconscious for about 10 minutes before waking up in the ambulance. He was diagnosed with a concussion, but did not break any bones. It's unclear how long Buxton will be held out of action given the severity of the collision.

Byron Buxton involved in brutal collision

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(8/13/2014)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton was involved in a brutal collision in his first game at Double-A.

Buxton collided with outfielder Mike Kvasicka. Both players remained on the ground for quite some time. The game was halted about 30 minutes following the collision. Buxton was carted off the field in an ambulance. Kvasicka was able was able to walk away from the collision. Buxton will be evaluated at the hospital.

Twins manager hopeful Byron Buxton debuts in 2014

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(8/13/2014)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton, who was just promoted to Double-A Monday, is unlikely to make his MLB debut in 2014 after missing most of the season due to injury.

"My guess is he probably doesn't make it up here this year, but I can hope, you can hope," he told MLB Network Radio Wednesday.

Byron Buxton promoted to Double-A

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(8/12/2014)The Twins have promoted outfield prospect Byron Buxton from Class A Fort Myers to Double-A New Britain following Monday's game against the Astros, per FOX Sports North. Buxton was expected to start the season at Double A, but was plagued by injuries. He batted .240 with four homers, 16 RBI and six stolen bases in 121 at-bats.

X-rays negative on Byron Buxton's wrist

Buxton appears to have avoided major injury after taking a ball off his right wrist Friday. He remains day-to-day.

Wrist problem has Byron Buxton out for Fort Myers

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(7/20/2014)Twins premier outfield prospect Byron Buxton is sidelined Sunday for Class A Advanced Fort Myers with a wrist issue. He was hit on the right wrist Friday and has been out since.

Buxton has been solid since his promotion with a .280 average and three home runs in 50 at-bats.

Byron Buxton picks up first multi-hit game of the season

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(7/17/2014)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton had his first multi-hit game of the year Wednesday.

Buxton went 3 for 4, with a triple and two singles. He also walked during the game and was caught stealing. Buxton scored one run and drove in one. He's been limited to 11 games this year due to various injuries. Buxton is hitting .205 over 39 at-bats.

Byron Buxton back in action in minors

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(7/6/2014)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton, who has been sidelined since early May after reinjuring his left wrist, rejoined the roster at Class A Fort Myers Sunday, manager Terry Ryan told reporters.

"That wrist has healed up or we wouldn't put him out there. He's ready to go," Ryan said, per the Pioneer Press.

Byron Buxton begins to hit in batting cage

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(6/29/2014)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton has begun to hit in the batting cage as he makes his way back from a sprained left wrist, reports The Star Tribune. However, the Twins aren't sure when the highly touted prospect will be ready to play in games.

Report: Byron Buxton to undergo MRI after reinjuring wrist

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(5/10/2014)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton will undergo an MRI after reinjuring his wrist sliding into third base, Yahoo! Sports reports.

The organization believes the injury is minor, though the results of the tests will determine his path to recovery. The Twins will continue to handle their top prospect with kid gloves in the face of injury.

Byron Buxton ready to begin season in minors

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(5/4/2014)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton is ready to get his season underway in the minor leagues after missing more than a month with a wrist injury suffered late in spring training.

"He joined the Miracle today because he passed everything he needed to do in extended (spring training)," Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony said, per MLB.com. "Now we’ll get him in over there with the Miracle and get him going. If he gets rolling and it looks like he’s in mid-season form and ready to go, we’ll move him up to (Double-A) New Britain where we planed to have him be. He played his way out of this league last year but we’ll give him enough time here to get going."

Byron Buxton not ready to end extended spring training

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(4/30/2014)Twins premier outfield prospect Byron Buxtonwill have an extended extended spring training. He is not ready to start minor league action as he recovers from a wrist injury sustained in mid-March.

"He's been pretty rusty so far," Twins director of minor league operations Brad Steil explained in a text message to twincities.com. Steil added that Buxton needs "at least a few more games" in extended spring training before he is activated by Class A Fort Myers.

The injury has pushed the reigning Minor League Player of the Year back. Buxton was scheduled to open the season at Double-A New Britain.

Byron Buxton's return pushed up two days

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(4/25/2014)Twins prospect Byron Buxton will play in an extended spring training game Saturday, as he continues to recovery from a sprained left wrist. He has not played since suffering the injury in spring training, but has been able to take batting practice without issue recently, and even had his return pushed up a few days.

Byron Buxton to see first action Monday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(4/23/2014)Twins outfielder Byron Buxton is scheduled to play three innings in an extended spring-training game Monday, MLB.com reports.

It'll be Buxton's first action since spraining his wrist on March 16. The Twins initially hoped he'd be able to play Thursday, but they're being extra cautious with the top prospect.

Byron Buxton might not join Double-A team until May

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4/10/2014)Twins director of minor-league operations Brad Steil told the Pioneer Press outfield prospect Byron Buxton, who has been sidelined due to a sprained left wrist, has started to field fly balls. He hasn't resumed swinging a bat, but that might not be too far off from happening.

Buxton might be cleared to play in extended spring games by the end of April. Although, Steil indicated it's unlikely Buxton will be ready for his assignment to Double-A New Britain by May 1.

"He will play when he heals," said Mike Radcliff, Twins' director of player personnel. "Potentially that could be May. It’s hard to forecast."

Buxton, who injured his wrist 10 days ago diving for a fly ball, feels soreness when he swings a bat, but an MRI taken Saturday revealed no structural damage to the wrist.

Buxton has been diagnosed with a sprain of the pisotriquetral joint, which can be slow to heal. Twins doctors believe Buxton will likely be sidelined for another couple of weeks.

Byron Buxton has no structural damage in left wrist

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(3/23/2014)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton had an MRI on his left wrist Saturday, per MLB.com. He continues to be day to day after the results showed a sprain but no structural damage.

Byron Buxton day to day with bruised elbow

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(3/17/2014)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton sat out a minor-league spring game Monday with a bruised left elbow, per the Pioneer Press. However, after being examined by team doctors, the injury was not deemed serious.

No MRI was taken and Buxton is considered day to day. He was injured diving for a baseball in the outfield Sunday.

Baseball America names Byron Buxton 2014 No. 1 prospect

Buxton was slotted in 10th in Baseball America's top-prospect list released before the 2013 season, and he moved up to the top spot after hitting .334/.424/.520 with 12 home runs, 77 RBI and 55 stolen bases in 488 at-bats between Class A Cedar Rapids and high Class A Fort Myers. He should spent much of 2014 in Double-A.

Byron Buxton named top prospect

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/24/2014)Twins outfielder Byron Buxton was named the top prospect in baseball by MLB.com.

Buxton is coming off a fantastic season in the minors. He hit .334/.424/.520 across two levels in the minors. The Twins had five players on the list, including Miguel Sano, who rated fourth.

Byron Buxton close to resuming baseball activities

(11/27/2013)According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton could return to baseball activities as soon as next week.

Buxton was shut down in the Arizona Fall League with a left shoulder strain after just 12 games.

Byron Buxton may be shut down from Arizona Fall League

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(11/6/2013)Twins prospect Byron Buxton may be shut down from play in the Arizona Fall League after aggravating a shoulder injury, though the injury isn't considered serious, Baseball America reports. Buxton has hit just .212/.288/.404 in the AFL but remains a cream-of-the-crop prospect for the Twins.

Byron Buxton close to returning

Buxton has missed eight games due to a strained shoulder, but is expected to be back soon. He hit .334/.424/.520 across two levels in the minors. Many talent evaluators consider Buxton the best prospect in the game.

The outfielder, 19, last played on Wednesday and went 0 for 3 with two walks. He is just 5 for 22 (.227) thus far in the AFL after five games. The prospect is considered day to day at this point, so this isn't a serious injury.

Byron Buxton likely to win award

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(9/10/2013)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton is likely to win Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year award, according to the Pioneer Press.

Buxton had a fantastic year in the minors, hitting .334/.424/.520 across two levels. Baseball America will reveal the award Wednesday, but a source says there's a good chance it will be Buxton.

Byron Buxton to play in the Arizona Fall League

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(8/27/2013)Twins top prospect outfielder Byron Buxton will be sent to the Arizona Fall League following the minor-league season.

Buxton, considered the top-overall prospect in the minors, is hitting .328/.420/.495 in 192 at-bats at Class A Fort Myers.

Byron Buxton to finish year with Fort Myers

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(8/19/2013)Twins prospect Byron Buxton, who is the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball according to MLB.com, will remain with Class A Fort Myers for the rest of the season, MLB.com reports.

The Twins want Buxton to gain playoff experience in the Florida State League. The 19-year-old Buxton is hitting .314 over 42 games with Fort Myers since he was promoted from Class A Cedar Rapids in June.

Byron Buxton reaches three times Wednesday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(8/15/2013)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton reached base three times Wednesday, and showed his potential on the base paths.

Buxton had two hits and one walk, finishing the game 2 for 3. He stole second base every time he reached base. Buxton is hitting .307/.374/.460 in 163 at-bats in Class A.

Byron Buxton banged up at Class A

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(7/30/2013)Twins top prospect Byron Buxton, considered by some to be the top overall prospect in the majors, did not start for Class A Fort Myers Tuesday, the team's play-by-play announcer reports.

Buxton may be a little dinged up at the moment and is expected to also take Wednesday's game off.

Buxton, 19, is batting .282 over 124 at-bats with Fort Myers with four homers, 16 RBI and six stolen bases.

Byron Buxton tops midseason prospect lists

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(7/18/2013)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton is considered the best prospect in baseball at the mid-point.

Buxton was ranked the top prospect in the minors by ESPN's Keith Law and Baseball America's John Sickels. Buxton has hit well after being selected second overall in the 2012 draft. He was promoted to Class A this year where he has hit .296/.342/.423 at the level.

Byron Buxton still hitting well after promotion

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(7/10/2013)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton hasn't suffered much of a decine since his promotion from low Class A Cedar Rapids to high Class A Fort Myers. After posting a .341/.431/.559/.990 slash line in 68 games for Cedar Rapids, Buxton has a .340/.377/.480/.857 slash line in 12 games for Fort Myers.

Buxton also has a triple, a home run, two doubles, eight RBI and two stolen bases since his promotion.

Byron Buxton promoted to high Class A

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(6/24/2013)Starting pitcher Kyle Gibson wasn't the only Twins' prospect to receive big news Sunday. While Gibson learned he will soon be joining the big-league rotation, outfield prospect Byron Buxton -- who was selected second overall in the 2012 draft -- was promoted from low Class A Cedar Rapids to high Class A Fort Myers, per MLB.com.

Buxton, who is considered a top 20 prospect by Baseball America (No. 10) and MLB.com (No. 19), had quite the stat line for Cedar Rapids. He hit .341 with a .431 on-base percentage, .559 slugging percentage and .990 OPS in 68 games. He also had eight home runs, 10 triples, 15 doubles, 55 RBI, 68 runs and 32 stolen bases.

Byron Buxton ready to move up

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(6/20/2013)Twins prospect Byron Buxton could be promoted from Class A soon, according to MLB.com.

Twins assistant GM Rob Antony said it "won't be long" before Buxton moves to a higher level of the minors. Buxton is hitting .344/.431/.561 in 253 at-bats in Class A.

Byron Buxton a 'man on a mission'

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(6/10/2013)As the 2013 MLB draft concluded over the weekend, it marked a year since Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton was taken second overall in the 2012 draft. And the 6-2, 190-pound outfielder is certainly doing his part to live up to the hype.

Buxton has a .342/.439/.562/1.001 slash line through 57 games this season for Class A Cedar Rapids. He also has seven triples, seven home runs, 13 doubles, 26 stolen bases, 44 RBI and 59 runs.

"I think he's superseded expectations so far," Twins scouting director Deron Johnson said, per MLB.com. "We all obviously thought he'd be a great player, but he's really started off well. He's done a tremendous job. I think we're more impressed with the makeup more than anything. We all knew he had tools -- we all knew he could run, he could throw and he had power -- but just the way he goes about his business, with his maturity on the field and off the field. I think he's a man on a mission."

Byron Buxton returns with strong game

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(6/6/2013)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton returned after a brief hiatus with a strong game.

Buxton had been sidelined since late May with a thumb injury. In his first game back, Buxton went 5 for 6 with two triples and a double. He scored three runs. Buxton is hitting .348/.444/.578 in 204 at-bats at Class A Cedar Rapids.

Byron Buxton filling up the stat sheet

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(5/13/2013)Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2012 draft, continues to fill up the stat sheet for Class A Cedar Rapids. Buxton fell a home run shy of the cycle Sunday, going 4 for 7 with one double, one triple, four runs and four RBI.

Buxton's slash line through 33 games is .352/.458/.608/1.066. He also has four triples, five home runs, nine doubles, 28 RBI and 35 runs. Buxton has nearly walked (25) as many times as he has struck out (29). He also has 13 stolen bases.

"I've just been going out, using my talents to the best of my abilities," Buxton said, per MLB.com. "I'm loving it, just being able to come out and play ball every day. It's an awesome feeling."

Twins give out April minors awards

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(5/4/2013)Twins minor leaguers Byron Buxton and DJ Baxendale were named minor league players of the month for the Minnesota organization, MLB.com reports Saturday.

Buxton, ranked as the No. 19 prospect in the majors by MLB.com, hit .392 with four homers, five doubles, three triples and nine steals over 22 games for Class A Cedar Rapids in April.

Baxendale, who was the pitcher of the month, was impressive with Class A Fort Myers. The 22-year-old went 4-0 with a 1.84 ERA over five starts. He struck out 25 over 29 1/3 innings with only six walks.

Cold weather can't cool off Byron Buxton

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4/25/2013)Although Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton has been dealing with frigid weather conditions playing for Class A Cedar Rapids, Buxton's bat has been scorching hot.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 draft is batting .404 (23 for 57) through 16 games. He also has a .514 on-base percentage, .614 slugging percentage and 1.128 OPS. Buxton has two doubles, two triples, two home runs, seven stolen bases, 10 RBI, 12 walks and 13 runs.

"I'm just trying to focus on doing my job and helping my team out," Buxton said to MLB.com. "Every time I get to the plate, I'm feeling very confident. I'm working hard on learning to be patient and disciplined. I'm looking for my pitches and working on driving the ball into the gap."

Although he's had early success, Buxton said he isn't concerned about speeding through the minors.

"I'm being patient with my development," Buxton said. "I know my role here, and I'm trying to do what I can. I'm focused on helping my team. Whatever happens, happens. If I get moved up, I get moved up. If not, I still keep working hard."

Byron Buxton makes Grapefruit League debut

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(3/27/2013)Twins top prospect Byron Buxton made his Grapefruit League debut Wednesday, recording a single, a walk, two stolen bases and three runs against the Pirates in five plate appearances. Buxton was the Twins' first-round pick in 2012.

"He's a stud," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told MLB.com. "He's a five-tool guy. He has all the baseball intangibles. So now we just to need to get him some experience."

General manager Terry Ryan added that Buxton "reminds a lot of us of [Pirates center fielder] Andrew McCutchen," according to MLB.com.

Buxton joins another Rookie League team

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(8/7/2012)The Twins announced Tuesday outfield prospect Byron Buxton, who was the second overall pick in the 2012 MLB draft, has been transferred from the Gulf Coast League (rookie) to Elizabethton (rookie). Buxton hit .216 with three triples, four doubles, four homers, 14 RBI, 17 runs and four stolen bases in 27 games for the GCL Twins.